My apologies if the formatting and spelling for this section are off. I wanted to re-write the two sections I lost the other day before I forgot most of what I wrote, but since my Microsoft Word isn't working I had to type in an email draft. Something I like to call "McGuyver-ing". As usual if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions I'd love to hear from you!
Thank you!
Once supper was over Daisy was about to follow the company back to their room but Gandalf pulled her aside into a nearby study. Waiting for them in the dimly lit room were Balin, Elrond, and a grumpy looking Thorin. The hobbit couldn't tell if the dwarf king was angered by her presence in the meeting or the fact that Gandalf told Elrond about his map.
"You stand here in the presence of one of the few in Middle Earth who can read that map." Gandalf reminded Thorin. "Show it to Lord Elrond."
An awkward silence fell over the room as Thorin weighed his options. Elrond would be able to produce much needed answers but as soon as he saw the map he'd know of their plans. Thorin's reluctance managed to peak Elrond's curiosity. The two dwarves exchange glances, Thorin sighed as he resigned himself to the fact that Gandalf was right. He reached into his breast pocket and produced a folded piece of parchment.
"Thorin, no." Balin's pleas were waved off as his king passed the map to their host
Elrond accidentally unfolded the ancient paper, his brows rose when he saw the map.
"Erahor?" Elrond sounded surprised, for an elf. "What is your interest in this map?"
A concerned look flashed across the faces of Daisy's companions, clearly they hadn't thought to come up with an answer.
"It's purely academic." Daisy chimed in. "Erabor was their home for a long while, a part of their history. And it is a history that they want to record for their children and their children's to always remember."
It wasn't technically a lie, but it wasn't a whole truth either. Daisy felt bad for lying to their host but glanced over Thorin give her a slight nod of thanks for thinking on her feet. Gandalf and Balin looked impressed as well.
"Yes, and as I'm sure you know, items such as these usually contain some sort of hidden text." Gandalf continued. "you still read ancient dwarvish do you not?"
"Tis a little rusty, it has been long since I've used it. Let me take a closer look." Elrond agreed.
The elf closely examined the map, running his fingers over the edges and turned it over a few times. He walked closer to the moonlit window so he could better read the markings in the dimly lit room.
"Moon runes." He breathed. "they can only be read by the light of a moon the same shape and season in which they were written."
"Can you read them?" Thorin asked in a worried tone.
"Follow me."
The group of four followed their host quietly down a moonlit hallway to a thick wooden door and down a torch lit staircase. As they descended, the sound and smell of fresh running water grew louder. After a brisk walk the hall opened into a cavern tucked behind one of the large waterfall. Their were no torches, just bright moonlight. Elrond gracefully glided over to a crystal quartz table that was tilted at an angle to let the moon shine behind it.
"These runes were written by the light of a crescent moon on a Mid-Summer's eve nearly 200 years ago." Elrond explained. "It is as though you were meant to come to Rivendell this day. Fate is with you Thorin Oakenshield, the same moon shines upon us tonight."
Their host spread the map flat against the table and waited. A few clouds floated across the sky momentarily obstructing the moon. Once they moved the table glowed with moonbeams, slowly revealing runes that were the same silver as the moon. It was one of the most beautiful things Daisy had ever seen, Thorin and Balin appeared to be just as awestruck with their mouths hanging open in an expression of wonder.
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole" Elrond read.
"Durin's Day?" Daisy never heard of such a day.
"It is the start of the dwarf's new year, the last moon of Autumn and the first sun of Winter appear in the sky together." Gandalf informed her.
"This is good news." Thorin murmured. "Summer is passing, Durin's Day will soon be upon us."
"We still have time to find the entrance." Balin was even sounding excited. "We have to be standing at exactly the right place at exactly the right time. Then and only then can the door be opened."
"So this is your true purpose." Elrond disapproved. "To enter the mountain?"
"What of it?" Thorin sneered, his manners towards their host appalled Daisy.
"There are some who would not deem it wise." Elrond said cryptically, passing the map back to its owner.
"Who do you mean?" Gandalf inquired.
"You are not the only guardian to stand watch over Middle Earth." Elrond stated. "Come, I think it is time we retire for the evening."
They followed Elrond back in the direction they came, once the group reach the main hallway Gandalf and Elrond took their leave and disappeared into a nearby study leaving Daisy alone with Balin and Thorin.
"I have been meaning to ask, who exactly is Durin?" Daisy inquired. "I have heard you speak his name and he was briefly mentioned in a few of my history books at home."
"He is the father of the fathers of the Longbeards, the eldest race of dwarves." Balin explained.
"He is my first ancestor, I am his heir." Thorin added in a condescending tone.
"Well I shall now consider myself informed." Daisy snapped at him sarcastically. "Now it is my turn to bid you good night."
Daisy was done with the dwarf king's attitude for the evening and disappeared into her privet room before he could get in another word. The hobbit didn't bother changing out of her clothes, she just curled up under the covers and fell into a dreamless sleep.